Sky Blues smash Wanderers to reach Cup final

SYDNEY FC will play Adelaide United in a second consecutive FFA Cup final after a profitable second half consigned Western Sydney to a 3-0 drubbing.

Trent Buhagiar's close-range finish, Siem de Jong's terrific free-kick and Adam Le Fondre's somewhat controversial late penalty was the difference in Saturday night's semi-final result, one that again showcased the efficient Sky Blues' capacity to get a job done while playing below their best.

In front of 14,435 fans at Panthers Stadium, the reigning Cup champions converted their first three shots on target to see off a Wanderers outfit unable to capitalise on their early dominance and later lost their bite - albeit thwarted repeatedly by Sydney goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne.

Unlike last year, the Reds will hold the home advantage over 2018 conquerors Sydney after being drawn as hosts for the October 30 decider at Coopers Stadium, where victory will give rookie coach Steve Corica a first trophy mere months into his tenure.

"It's a derby, they come out firing at home. We withstood the pressure and knew in the second half, when the game gets a little bit stretched, our qualities would come through.

"We punished them, we maybe should have got four."

The Wanderers, having exited at the semi-final stage two tournaments running, must now shift focus to the A-League season under their own new boss Markus Babbel.

And there'll be ample motivation for vengeance in round two's Sydney derby after a night of frustration at what could have been against a team that's commanded this fixture for the best part of five years.

"The result is a disaster for us," Babbel said.

"Because the performance was good, even in the second half, because the first goal was an easy mistake from us which cannot happen at this level, second goal was a top free-kick, you have to accept this, and the penalty for me was not a penalty."

Both sides got the lay of the land early but big derby performer Oriol Riera had the first crack to square for Roly Bonevacia, who was beaten by Rhyan Grant's crucial interception.

The Spanish striker followed it with another dangerous cross and Redmayne stood tall as the Wanderers increased the pressure.

Brendan Hamill drew another smart save and the captain was already celebrating his would-be goal before realising the often-maligned custodian had crouched just low enough at the near post.